Metformin is a widely used medication for managing high blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes, a chronic condition that affects how the body processes sugar.
While its primary role is to control blood glucose levels, new research suggests it may also offer unexpected benefits for brain health.
A study conducted at UNSW Sydney found that people with type 2 diabetes who took metformin experienced slower cognitive decline and had a lower risk of developing dementia compared to those who did not use the medication.
These findings bring hope for reducing dementia risk, not only in individuals with diabetes but potentially in millions of others at risk for cognitive decline worldwide.
Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body cannot produce enough insulin or use it effectively. This leads to high blood sugar levels, which over time can damage the body, including the brain.
Cognitive decline is one of the long-term complications associated with diabetes, making it an important area for researchers seeking to protect brain health.
In this study, the researchers analyzed data from 123 people with type 2 diabetes, of whom 67 were taking metformin to control their blood sugar levels.
The results showed that those taking metformin had much slower cognitive decline and a significantly reduced risk of dementia compared to those who were not on the medication.
Metformin has been a trusted treatment for type 2 diabetes for more than 60 years. It works by lowering the amount of sugar released by the liver into the bloodstream and improving how the body’s cells respond to blood sugar levels.
Because of its effectiveness and safety, it is one of the most prescribed diabetes medications globally.
Beyond its role in managing diabetes, metformin has shown promise in other areas of health.
Over the past decade, studies have suggested that metformin may have benefits in treating or reducing the risk of cancer, heart disease, polycystic ovary syndrome, and even aiding weight management.
The latest findings about its potential to protect the brain add another exciting dimension to its possible uses.
The researchers believe that metformin’s cognitive benefits may extend beyond people with diabetes. For those at risk of cognitive decline or dementia, this medication could provide a new avenue for prevention.
Dementia affects nearly 47 million people worldwide, and with limited treatments available, the idea of using an existing, well-studied medication like metformin is encouraging.
While more research is needed to fully understand how metformin protects the brain, its long history of safe use and affordability make it a promising candidate for further study in dementia prevention.
The study, led by Professor Katherine Samaras, was published in Diabetes Care and adds to growing evidence of metformin’s potential as a multi-purpose treatment.
For individuals with diabetes, managing blood sugar is not only important for overall health but may also have lasting benefits for brain function.
And for those without diabetes, the possibility of metformin as a tool to protect against cognitive decline offers hope for combating one of the most challenging aspects of aging.
If you care about diabetes, please read studies about a cure for type 2 diabetes, and these vegetables could protect against kidney damage in diabetes.
For more information about diabetes, please see recent studies about bone drug that could lower risk of type 2 diabetes, and results showing eating more eggs linked to higher risk of type 2 diabetes.
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